The Best Beach Rugs to Make Your Living Room a Coastal Escape
Do you dream of relaxing by the ocean, feeling the sand between your toes? Bring that laidback, beachy vibe to your living room decor with the perfect coastal-inspired rug.
Beachy rugs instantly transform any living space into a serene, seaside escape. Keep reading to discover how to choose the ideal beach rug to make your home feel like a charming beach cottage.
What Makes a Rug "Beach-Style"?
It's all about breezy, coastal vibes. Beach rugs often feature stripes, waves, anchors, seashells, starfish and sand dollar motifs in oceanic colors like light blue, tan, ivory and white.
Popular textures include natural fibers like seagrass, jute and braided cotton for a casual, weathered look. The relaxed and informal feel brings the spirit of the shore to your interior.
Benefits of Using Beach Rugs in Living Rooms
Beachy rugs offer many advantages for living room decor:
- Sets a coastal, cottage aesthetic
- Provides a cool, casual vibe for relaxation
- Light colors reflect light in dark rooms
- Adds interesting texture to smooth floors
With colors and patterns reminiscent of sand and surf, beach rugs are the perfect way to evoke laidback seaside living in your home.
Tips for Selecting a Beach Rug
Here are some top tips for choosing the perfect beach rug for your living room:
Consider Size and Shape of Room
Make sure to get a rug sized appropriately for your space. A rug that is too small can look out of place. One too large leaves too little bare floor showing. For living rooms, 5x8 and 8x10 sizes often work well.
Choose Material Based on Traffic
In high-traffic areas, natural fiber rugs like seagrass, jute and braided cotton hold up better than wool. For plush comfort underfoot, wool is ideal if not used heavily.
Determine Pattern Complexity
Bold stripe rugs make good foundational pieces upon which you can layer other patterns. Busy starfish or seashell motifs may work better in simple spaces. Make sure the rug complexity fits your room.
By keeping these tips in mind as you shop, you can confidently choose a beachy rug that complements your space.
Popular Styles and Where to Use Them
Nautical Striped Rugs
Nothing says coastal cottage quite like crisp nautical stripes. Varying stripe widths add interest. Use striped rugs to anchor seating areas within larger open concept living rooms.
Textured & Woven Rugs
Natural fiber rugs like seagrass, jute and sisal have richly textured weaves, perfect for high traffic spaces. Use them to define sitting spaces in rustic living rooms.
Whimsical Design Rugs
For a playful, beachy look, choose rugs with starfish, seashells, sand dollars or coral motifs. Use in kids' rooms or quirky, relaxed beach cottage spaces.
Tips for Placing Your Beach Rug
To highlight your new rug:
- Use large size rugs for whole room coverage or runners to define spaces
- Layer rugs over carpets for added visual interest
- Always use a rug pad for grip and cushioning
- Arrange furniture to have legroom around rug edges
With the right placement, your beach rug becomes a stylish focal point.
Caring for Beach Rugs
Beachy rugs are made to handle the wear and tear of a busy home. Keep them looking their best with regular care:
- Shake out sand and debris after beach trips
- Blot spills immediately with a towel
- Vacuum regularly using low suction
- Professionally clean wool rugs once a year
By promptly tending to spills and vacuuming often, you'll add years to the life of your coastal rug.
Top Places to Shop for Coastal Rugs
Ready to start shopping for the perfect beachy rug? Here are some top retailers to browse:
- Cottage & Bungalow
- Serena & Lily
- Ruggable
- Beachhouse
- Wayfair
Make sure to read reviews and product details to verify quality and durability. With the right coastal rug, you can enjoy beach house style every day.
Add a touch of breezy, seaside style to any room with the perfect beach rug. Choose the right size, color, pattern and material for your space. Use lighting and furniture placement to show it off. With the right coastal rug, you can enjoy beach house vibes in your living room all year long.